An Olive Branch Extended

Occasionally stories surface about a marriage or friendship that’s survived for years without experiencing conflict or turmoil. Differences can provoke anger and the desire to put someone in their place even when it damages that person’s self-esteem. Those experiencing such an attack may retaliate with equally offensive measures.

 

However, some people withdraw and stoically remain unwilling to negotiate an end to a silent war. Yet most people desire resolution and will offer an olive branch indicating a willingness to restore fellowship. Then there are those who desire peace and restoration, but lack courage or the skills to make it happen even when there's an open door for a resolution.

Conflict resolution must include forgiveness so peace and renewal can be achieved. As forgiveness builds the bridge to restoration, excuses for conflict are dismantled. Forgiveness allows compassion to be expressed towards those responsible for the pain and suffering. God will make a way for peace.  

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So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and suddenly remember that a friend has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar and go and apologize and be reconciled to him, and then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

~Matthew 5:23-24 The Living Bible

So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them, and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, “I repent,” you must forgive them.

~Luke 17:3-4 New International Version